Chicago City Council passes sweatshop free procurement law

August 19, 2014 (United States Of America)

The City Council of Chicago, the third most populous city in the United States, has passed a regulation prohibiting the contractors manufacturing city uniforms and garments from using sweatshop labor from January 1, 2015, a statement from the Mayor’s press office said.

The term ‘sweatshop’ refers to those apparel factories where workers work in unclean conditions, for long hours and are paid less wages.

Under the new regulation, all the contracted garment vendors and subcontractors working, with the City of Chicago, must sign affidavits stating that there are no sweatshops within their range of supply chain. If a contractor fails to comply in disclosing this information with the City, the chief procurement officer will conclude the contract as null and void.

The chief procurement officer will notify the contractor of noncompliance and take appropriate actions for the same. The office may grant the contractor 30 days time to remove the sweatshops from his supply chain and terminate the contract or terminate the contract and rebid the remaining contract amount.

“Our city worker should be wearing uniforms that reflect our values as a city”, said Alderman Ameya Pawar. “By putting a ban on products made in unkind sweatshops, this ordinance will emphasize our city’s commitment to human rights”, he further said.

“As a world-class city, it’s vital for Chicago to hold water as a leader on the fight for human rights, at home and also across the world,” said Mayor Emanuel. “With this regulation, we will continue to ensure that the City of Chicago is doing a business in an ethical and humane manner,” he added.